Wednesday of the First Week of Advent
Even as the new liturgical year has begun, the readings still echo last weeks sense of the end times. In fact, the word Advent in Greek is Parousia. This word has apocalyptic overtone that reminds us of the second coming. Yet, it also connects us to both the coming of Jesus at Christmas and Christ’s presence in the world now. It is with this understanding that we approach today’s readings. They proclaim that God who was, who is, and who is to come, will provide for us all!
“Providing” may seem obvious to us as we read today’s gospel, because we already know the end of the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus wants to feed the crowd and asks his disciples’ to feed the people. The disciples’ doubt is clear in their response. “Where could we ever get enough bread in this crowded place to satisfy such a crowd?” The disciples’ question may seem reasonable, yet they had just spent the last three days witnessing Jesus make the lame walk, the deformed whole, the blind see and the mute speak. With all of those miracles in their memory, they still had to ask from where would we find this food. Jesus blessed the food they had on hand and gave it to the disciples to distribute it. In the end, all ate and were satisfied with an abundance left over.
Left over’s in the gospel show that the Lord provides in abundance to those who believe in him. This feeding story is not simply to be taken literally as it alludes to both Eucharist and the eschatological banquet. This victory banquet is prophesied in today’s reading from Isaiah. “The Lord of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast rich of food and choice wines.” The banquet celebrates promises that summarize the fruits of Christ’s coming into the world. God will destroy the veil that separates God and his people and even death will be no more.
Our Advent journey awaits us! While this season has many secular demands, set aside time to walk daily with the Lord. Consider tangible ways to provide for the needs of others. This can help us in our joyful anticipation to recognize that we like the disciples our helping to feed a world that hungers for the Lord.
Almighty God from whom all blessings flow. As the darkness in our world grows, heal our areas of blindness so that we may see You as the Light. On days when we struggle with doubt, remind us that You provide all that we need through Your Son Jesus. Amen!”
-Michael Montgomery